Babymoons are hot. Every major resort is looking for a way to get in on the action … and why not? Moms-to-be are carrying all that extra weight, coping with the effects on their bodies and dream of a place where they can be pampered for a little while. Pregnancy massages take up the space between fantastic meals, and mom finds a bit of bliss. The guys don’t lose with this arrangement either. It’s a last chance to take a vacation and focus on the people who soon will be called “the parents,” even by their own friends. Dad can have a few cocktails while mom sits in the sun.

But, eventually, it comes to an end. The car comes to the resort, and the revelers return to the airport, go home and resume normal life. It’s all finished far too quickly, and in a few months, life changes forever.

What’s interesting is that the babymoon may be over, but the effects can linger for months. After lying dormant for a while, they provide relaxing thoughts when you need them most – right after your kid is born. My wife and I went you ours around five months ago, and I’m still feeling the residual effects now. Of all the travel I’ve done this year, those four days remain the smartest.

Most travel writers focus on the immediate benefits of a babymoon. That doesn’t do you much good when the kid has arrived, so here are four reasons you’ll be happy you went on a babymoon, even months after you’ve returned from it.

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1. It’s part of the progressionBecoming a parent doesn’t start with the birth of your child. There’s so much that goes into it, from the decision to have one (or the realization that you are …), the visits to the doctor, setting up the kid’s room and agonizing over every minute detail (only to come to the conclusion later that the stuff you worried about really doesn’t matter). Your babymoon is part of this – it’s one of the experiences that will shape your life as a parent. Among the things you’ll remember later was that amazing getaway, the last sans child that won’t have you calling every hour to see how he is.

2. The memories will get you through sleepless nightsThe first few weeks after a kid is born, I’m learning firsthand, can be incredibly tough. You won’t sleep much, and sleep doesn’t mean rest. I’ve found my mind wandering back to that July trip to Curtain Bluff more than a few times and remembering how easy it was. Having experienced pure relaxation has given me something to which to think back. It helps.

3. You’ll have fantasy fodderWhen you and your spouse are watching your child fall asleep – and hoping he’ll follow through with it – you’ll be able to whisper to each other about how much you’d love to get a break. “Wouldn’t it be great to go back to …” It would. But, as soon as the baby’s asleep, you won’t be far behind. Your dreams, hopefully, will take you back to that babymoon for a few hours.

4. You’ll go back … but not alone!For all your dreams of wanting nothing more than a little bit of sleep, it’s great to have the new guy around the house. When the kid’s ready to travel, the first place that comes to mind will probably be the last one where you had a great time. There’s no need to negotiate over where to go. Both parents have a great idea and memories that have gotten them through those sleep-deprived first weeks and months. Pull the trigger, and bring your son or daughter in on the tradition.